Configuration mapping using a multi-dimensional rule space and rule consolidation

ABSTRACT

A configuration mapping system and method increase the effectiveness of mapping of information from an established product line to a new product offering. In at least one embodiment, the configuration mapping system herein uses configuration mapping rules to map individual product features and entire configurations from established products to a new product offering. The configuration mapping system also provides a way to appropriately map, for example, demand and sales information for the purpose of demand estimation and sales prediction. Conventionally, mapping can be ineffective because the configuration mapping rules usually focus on one part of the product at a time, and, if applied in isolation, the impact on other parts is missed. The systems and method herein provide a way to integrate configuration mapping rules across feature parts, time periods, and product lines into a unified, holistic view, allowing for new insights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and 37C.F.R. § 1.78 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/780,965, filed Mar.10, 2006 and entitled “Configuration Mapping Using a Multi-DimensionalRule Space and Rule Consolidation”. U.S. Provisional Application No.60/780,965 includes example systems and methods and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of informationprocessing, and more specifically to a system and method forconfiguration mapping using a multi-dimensional rule space and ruleconsolidation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Product configurations implemented in software use product models todefine products. Examples of product configuration and productconfiguration models are described in (i) U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,524,issued May 7, 1996, entitled “Method and Apparatus for ConfiguringSystems”, inventors John Lynch and David Franke, and assignee TrilogyDevelopment Group of Austin, Tex. (referred to herein as the “LynchPatent”) and (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,651, issued Oct. 20, 1998,entitled “Method and apparatus for maintaining and configuring systems”,inventors Neeraj Gupta, Venky Veeraraghavan, and Ajay Agarwal, andassignee Trilogy Development Group, Inc. of Austin, Tex. (referred toherein as the “Gupta Patent”). The Lynch Patent and the Gupta Patent areincorporated herein by reference.

Product configuration model data has been used to determine andcorrelate product demand data with actual products as, for example,described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/699,148, entitled“Identifying Quality User Sessions and Determining Product Demand withHigh Resolution Capabilities”, inventor Paul Daniel Karipides, fileddate Oct. 31, 2003, and assignee Trilogy Development Group, Inc. ofAustin, Tex., (referred to herein as “Karipides I”) which is hereinincorporated by reference. The demand data can be obtained, for example,from web sessions as, for example, described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/324,764, inventors Karipides et al., entitled “GeneratingContextual User Network Session History in a Dynamic ContentEnvironment”, filed Dec. 20, 2002, and assignee Trilogy DevelopmentGroup, Inc. of Austin, Tex., which is herein incorporated by reference.

Configuration models can change over time but still relate toessentially the same product. For example, in the automotive context, an‘old’ configuration model could refer to the color “navy blue” and asubsequent configuration model could refer to “midnight blue”. Midnightblue is intended as a replacement for navy blue but is essentially thesame color. When configuration model changes, it has been conventionallydifficult to correlate data, such as product demand data, associatedwith an ‘old’ configuration model with a new configuration model.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, a method of using a computer system to map afirst set of configuration rules to a second set of configuration rules,wherein each configuration mapping rule includes a set of parts of aproduct, the first set of configuration rules includes a firstconfiguration rule and the second set of configuration rules includes asecond configuration rule, includes accessing, from a first memory,multiple, part-to-part mapping rules. The method further includescombining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules into a consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule that maps parts in the first configurationrule to parts in the second configuration rule and storing theconsolidated configuration mapping rule in a second memory.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer system to mapa first set of configuration rules to a second set of configurationrules, wherein each configuration mapping rule includes a set of partsof a product, the first set of configuration rules includes a firstconfiguration rule and the second set of configuration rules includes asecond configuration rule, includes a processor and a memory, coupled tothe processor. The memory includes code stored therein and executable bythe processor for accessing multiple, part-to-part mapping rule,combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules into a consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule that maps parts in the first configurationrule to parts in the second configuration rule, and storing theconsolidated configuration mapping rule.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a computer programproduct includes code stored therein to map a first set of configurationrules to a second set of configuration rules, wherein each configurationmapping rule includes a set of parts of a product, the first set ofconfiguration rules includes a first configuration rule and the secondset of configuration rules includes a second configuration rule. Thecode is executable by a processor for accessing multiple, part-to-partmapping rules, combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules into aconsolidated configuration mapping rule that maps parts in the firstconfiguration rule to parts in the second configuration rule, andstoring the consolidated configuration mapping rule.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for mappinga first set of configuration rules to a second set of configurationrules, wherein each configuration mapping rule includes a set of partsof a product, the first set of configuration rules includes a firstconfiguration rule and the second set of configuration rules includes asecond configuration rule, includes means for accessing, from a firstmemory, multiple, part-to-part mapping rules. The apparatus furtherincludes means for combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rulesinto a consolidated configuration mapping rule that maps parts in thefirst configuration rule to parts in the second configuration rule andmeans for storing the consolidated configuration mapping rule in asecond memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts a configuration mapping process.

FIG. 2 depicts a configuration mapping system.

FIG. 3 depicts a network environment in which the system and process ofFIGS. 1 and 2 may be practiced.

FIG. 4 illustrates a general purpose computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the configuration mapping systems and methods describedherein increase the effectiveness of mapping of information from anestablished product line to a new product offering. In at least oneembodiment, the configuration mapping system herein uses configurationmapping rules to map individual product features and entireconfigurations from established products to a new product offering. Theconfiguration mapping system also provides a way to appropriately map,for example, demand and sales information for the purpose of demandestimation and sales prediction. Conventionally, mapping can beineffective because the mapping rules usually focus on one part of theproduct at a time, and, if applied in isolation, the impact on otherparts is missed. The systems and method herein provide a way tointegrate configuration mapping rules across feature aspects, timeperiods, and product lines into a unified, holistic view, allowing fornew insights.

In at least one embodiment, product demand data is correlated with athen-current product definition (i.e. product model). However, productdefinitions often change. The systems and methods herein can map thechanges in the product definition to extend the applicability of the ADIdemand data to new product definitions. Karipides I describes exemplary“ADI Demand Data”.

Glossary of Selected Terms:

-   -   Accessories: Smaller options, such as floor mats.    -   Config: Config (also referred to as “Configuration”) is a valid        configuration of parts from which a product, such as a vehicle,        can be built. In at least one embodiment, the difference between        a Config and a Product Model is that Product Model includes a        subset of the features of Config. For example, in at least one        embodiment, a Product Model does not include color and        Accessories whereas Config does. Config can be represented as:        -   Config.: Model+Trim+Emission+Transmission+Drive Train+Int            Color+Ext Color+Part1+Part2+Acc1+Acc2+ . . . , where “Model”            represents the Model of the Product, “Trim” represents the            Trim of the Product, and so on . . .    -   Drive Train: Specifies whether a vehicle is two wheel drive or        four wheel drive.    -   Emission Type: Emission types for specific regions. There are        many types of emission codes specific to regions, such as a “50        State Emission” code and a “California Emission” code.    -   Exterior Color: Exterior color of the Product Model.    -   Feature: Part.    -   Interior Color: Interior color of the Product Model.    -   Model Line: A model line is uniquely identified by the Model        name and the model year, such as “Apollo 2004”.    -   Package/Options: Various parts from which a product can be        built.    -   Product Model: Product Model (also referred to as an “End Item        Model”). Product models are a combination of parts. Many        combination of parts are often possible. For example, a large        number of possible parts can be combined into millions of        different combinations. In at least one embodiment, the Product        Model does not include all parts. For example, in at least one        embodiment, the Product Model does not include color and        accessories. An example Product Model includes attributes for        specific features included in the Product Model. For example, a        Product Model can be represented as:        -   Product Model: Model+Trim+Emission+Transmission+Drive            Train+Part1+Part2 . . . , where “Model” represents the Model            of the Product, “Trim” represents the Trim of the Product,            and so on.    -   Trim: A complete configuration of a model line catering to a        segment of buyers, such as “Apollo 2.5 S”.    -   Transmission: Type of transmission in the model, such as “5        speed Manual Transmission” or “Automatic Transmission”.

Configuration Mapping and Configuration Rules. In at least onembodiment, the configuration mapping system and method described hereinuse configuration mapping rules to map individual product features andentire configurations from established products to a new productoffering. In at least one embodiment, the configuration mapping systemand method described herein also provide a way to appropriately mapdemand and sales information for the purpose of demand estimation andsales prediction.

In at least one embodiment, configuration mapping rules are described ona per-part basis. In at least one embodiment, configuration rulesrepresent a relationship between a left hand side part of attribute(LHS) and a right hand side part or attribute (RHS). In at least oneembodiment, the relationship in the configuration rules includes“included”, “excluded”, “removed”, and “requires choice”. For example,in the context of Trilogy Automotive Demand Intelligence (ADI)described, for example, in Karipides I, configuration mapping rulescover the following parts of a car:

1. Color

2. Packages and Options and Trims

3. Accessories

A part is a single dimensional view of the configuration. So, if theconfiguration mapping rules are applied in isolation the impact of apart in the presence of other parts is ignored, thus, limiting thepredictive value of the mapping. For example, in determining demand fora product, a single rule application might indicate what the demand fora RED car is (color part). Single rule application might even indicatewhat the demand for a MOONROOF is (accessory part). However, single ruleapplication cannot indicate the demand for a RED car with a MOONROOF. Bycarefully combining the configuration mapping rules across parts, theconfiguration system and method can map demand data across multipleproduct parts.

Before describing the combination and consolidation of configurationmapping rules into a holistic rule space, a few more example dimensionsin which configuration mapping rules may occur are described. Exampledimensions in which configuration mapping rules may occur are (i)configuration mapping rules specific to time periods, (ii) configurationmapping rules specific to product lines and configuration mapping rulescommon across product lines, and (iii) configuration mapping rules withirrelevant and unnecessary features. The different dimensions can affecthow configuration mapping rules of one Product Model are mapped toanother Product Model.

Configuration Mapping Rules Specific To Time Periods. In at least oneembodiment of ADI, the configuration mapping rules are describedindependently each month, but the system and method described hereinanalyzes the effect of the configuration mapping rules across time. Themappings may not only be changed every month, but they may also bechained. For example, a mapping rule {A->B} may be defined in month 1,but it may be changed to {A->C} in month 2 as a correction. The symbols“->” mean “maps to”. Thus, {A->B} is a an example of a part-to-partmapping rule. For example, if A is the part “color=dark blue” and B isthe part “color=midnight blue, then the part-to-part mapping rule {A->B}means that the part “color=dark blue” maps to the part “color=midnightblue”. Another example is that part-to-part mapping rules {A->B} and{B->C} may be defined in successive months.

Configuration Mapping Rules Specific To Product Lines And ConfigurationMapping Rules Common Across Product Lines. The configuration mappingrules may also be split across products, with some configuration mappingrules mapping internally to one product and some configuration mappingrules that map across products. For example, in the ADI context, eachmodel year of a car has a set of configuration mapping rules that mapold, abolished configurations to new configurations of the same modelyear. There are other configuration mapping rules that mapconfigurations from a model year to the next.

Configuration Mapping Rules with Irrelevant and Unnecessary Features.The configuration mapping rules may sometimes contain some features thatare irrelevant and trivial for purposes of mapping. For example,specific features may be of interest in the configuration mapping rules,and other features may not be of particular interest. An example in theADI context is emission types, which are not used to calculate demand.In at least one embodiment, such features can be stripped fromconfiguration mapping rules without affecting the usefulness of theconfiguration mapping rules.

FIG. 1 depicts a configuration rule mapping process 100 for use by theconfiguration mapping engine 202 of configuration rule mapping system200. The effectiveness of configuration rule mapping can be improved byconsolidating the configuration mapping rules across feature parts, timeperiods, and product lines. By combining, the configuration mappingrules in product model data 204 the configuration rule mapping process100 and configuration rule mapping system 200 apply the configurationmapping rules at one time to the entire product, such as a vehicle. Inthe ADI context, this means producing a single set of configurationmappings that will map any configuration of an old model year car intothe latest equivalent of the new model year.

Operation 102 removes unnecessary parts from the Product ModelConfiguration Mapping Rules. In at least one embodiment, parts are“unnecessary” when the intended use of the Product Model does not needthe particular part. For example, in at least one embodiment of ADI,emission standards are not used to determine demand. Thus, in thisembodiment, emission standards are not necessary and, thus, do not needto be mapped from one Product Model to another Product Model.

Operation 104 combines configuration mapping rules from a set of timeperiods, such as all time periods from which demand and sales data isavailable, and consolidates the configuration mapping rules to view theeffect of the configuration mapping rules across time. Configurationmapping rules from later months override configuration mapping rulesfrom earlier months. In at least one embodiment, operation 104 performs“rule-chaining” to see the effect of configuration mapping rules acrosstime. For example, if two configuration mapping rules {A->B} and {B->C}exist, operation 104 chains the two configuration mapping rules toobtain both {A->C} and {B->C}, since both A and B configurations canexist, and the latest equivalent of A and B is the “C” configuration.The configuration mapping rules may be chained to any depth, andoperation 104 creates configuration mapping rules that map all theconfigurations that can exist to the latest configuration.

Next, operation 106 consolidates configuration mapping rules acrossproduct lines to generate a partially consolidated set of configurationmapping rules for:

-   -   a. Configuration mapping rules internal to the established        product;    -   b. Configuration mapping rules that map the established product        to the new product; and    -   c. Configuration mapping rules internal to the new product.

The “rule-chaining” procedure described above can be used to obtain asingle set of configuration mapping rules that map all productconfigurations from the established product to the latest configurationof the new product.

Once the time periods and product configuration mapping rules have beencombined, configuration rule mapping process 100 combines the differentaspects of the configuration mapping rules. This combination can be donein two steps.

Operation 108 adds the particular feature rules, such as the ColorConfiguration Mapping Rules, to the Product Model Configuration MappingRules. For each product configuration, operation 108 determines whichfeatures, such as colors, are possible on that Product Model and createsmultiple configuration mapping rules so that a new set of configurationmapping rules contains both the feature rules and Product Modelstogether. For example, if the following Color Configuration MappingRules exist:

-   -   C1->C2    -   C3->C4        Then, for the Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E1->E2,        operation 108 expands the configuration mapping rules to:    -   E1 C1->E2 C2    -   E1 C3->E2 C4

Since, in at least one embodiment, no explicit configuration mappingrules exist for accessories, operation 110 adds all possible accessoriesto each of the configuration mapping rules above to obtain completeconfiguration mapping rules that include color, Product Model, andaccessories. If two accessories exist on the old model years A1 and A2,configuration rule mapping process 100 appends them to the configurationmapping rules. So, the latest set of configuration mapping rules are:

-   -   E1 C1 Al->E2 C2 A1    -   E1 C1 A2->E2 C2 A2    -   E1 C3 A1->E1 C4 A1    -   E1 C3 A2->E1 C4 A2

Operation 112 determines whether the set of rules includes irrelevantparts and features. If so, operation 114 removes the irrelevant partsand features from the set of configuration mapping rules. After removingsome parts, if the left hand side of two configuration mapping rulesbecomes the same, then the right hand side also needs to be the same.This serves as a consistency check and a measure of the quality of theconfiguration mapping rules because two configurations that have trivialor small parts should not map to completely different configurations onthe new product line.

Completion of operation 114 or operation 112 if the set of rules do notinclude irrelevant parts and features, a single set of configurationmapping rules 1 16 is generated that is applicable to the entire set ofconfigurations in the established product.

In the context of ADI, configuration rule mapping process 100 appliesthese configuration rules to the old configurations and can map thedemand and sales data 208 of the old configurations to equivalentconfigurations in the new product. Configuration rule mapping system 200has now generated demand and sales information for each configuration inthe new product and can store and/or distribute such information foruser analysis and evaluation. The new configuration mapping data couldalso be used for other purposes and types of information as well, notjust demand prediction.

Following is an example of Configuration Rule Mapping using ADI data foran example vehicle referred to as the “Apollo”.

ADI Configuration Mapping Rules.

Following are two types of example configuration mapping rules:

-   -   Product Model Configuration Mapping Rules    -   Color Configuration Mapping Rules

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rules.

The format of a Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule can berepresented as:

-   -   Mapping month/year, Model year +Model Emission, Transmission        Drive Train, Part 1, Part 2 . . . Part n,        -   ->    -   Mapped Model year +Mapped Model, New Emission, New Transmission,        New Drive Train, New Part 1, New Part 2 . . . New Part m

Note: “New Part” in the mapped model may or may not be same as the partin the original model. EXAMPLE

The following example illustrates a configuration mapping within thesame model year:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel        Drive, Splash Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag        Technology]        -   ->    -   [2005 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive,        Splash Guards, Special Edition Package]}.

The following example illustrates a configuration mapping from a modelyear to the next model year:

-   -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Cal Emission, 5 speed Manual, 2        Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Sports Package, Advanced Airbag        Technology]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive,        Splash Guards, Leather Sports Package, Leather Package]}

Color Configuration Mapping Rules

The format of a Color Configuration Mapping Rule can be represented as:

-   -   Mapping month/year, Model year +Model Color Group Interior        Color, Exterior Color,        -   ->    -   Mapped Model year +Mapped Model, Mapped Color Group, Mapped        Interior Color, Mapped Exterior Color

Note: New Interior/Exterior Color in the Mapped model may or may not besame as the Color in the original model. EXAMPLE

The following example illustrates a color mapping within the same modelyear:

-   -   June 2005, 2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Blue        -   ->    -   2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Majestic Blue

The following example illustrates a color mapping within the same modelyear:

-   -   December 2005, 2005 Apollo, 2, Charcoal, Blue        -   ->    -   2006 Apollo, 2, Charcoal, Sheer Silver

Using the example Product Model Configuration Mapping Rules and ColorConfiguration Mapping Rules, the following Product Model and ColorConfiguration Mapping Rules are stored in memory 204:

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E1:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel        Drive, Splash Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag        Technology}        -   ->    -   [2005 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive,        Splash Guards, Special Edition Package]}.

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E2:

-   -   {[December 2005 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel        Drive, Splash Guards, Special Edition Package}        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, 50 State Emission, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive,        Splash Guards, Leather Sports Package, Leather Package]}

Color Configuration Mapping Rule C1:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Blue}        -   ->    -   [2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Majestic Blue]}.

Color Configuration Mapping Rule C2:

-   -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, 2, Frost, Blue}        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, 2, Frost, Sheer Silver]}.

Following is an example application of configuration rule mappingprocess 100. Operation 102 removes unnecessary parts, such as emissiontypes, from Product Model Configuration Mapping Rules. Applyingoperation 102, the new Product Model Configuration Mapping Rules are:

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E1:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag Technology}        -   ->    -   [2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Special        Edition Package}

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E2:

-   -   {[December 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards,        Special Edition Package}        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package]}.

Operation 104 combines configuration mapping rules from all the timeperiods of interest, and operation 106 consolidates the configurationmapping rules to view the effect of the configuration mapping rulesacross time. Applying operations 104 and 106, the LHS of Product Rule E2is same as RHS of Product Rule E1. So after combining ProductConfiguration mapping rules E1 and E2, Product Configuration mappingrules E3 and E4 are obtained:

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E3:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag Technology}        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package]}.

Product Model Configuration Mapping Rule E4:

-   -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Special Edition Package}        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package}

Operation 108 adds Color Configuration Mapping Rules to the ProductModel Configuration Mapping Rules obtained in operation 106.

Color Configuration Mapping Rule C1

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Blue]        -   ->    -   [2005 Apollo, 1, Charcoal, Majestic Blue]}.

Color Configuration Mapping Rule C2

-   -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, 2, Frost, Blue]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, 2, Frost, Sheer Silver]}.

Operation 108 generates the following configuration mapping rules:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag Technology,        Charcoal, Blue]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Charcoal, Majestic Blue]}    -   and    -   {December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Special Edition Package]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Frost, Sheer Silver]}.        Note: This assumes that Interior Color Charcoal and Exterior        Color Blue go with the LHS of E3 and Interior Color Charcoal and        Exterior Color majestic Blue goes with RHS of E3. Similarly        Frost, Blue valid for LHS of E4 and Frost and Sheer Silver valid        for RHS of E4

Since no explicit configuration mapping rules exist for accessories,configuration rule mapping process 100 adds all possible accessories toeach of the configuration mapping rules above to obtain completeconfiguration mapping rules that include color, Product Model andaccessories. If, for example two accessories are available on Apollo:Floor Mats and Satellite Radio, Configuration rule mapping process 100generates the following final configuration mapping rules afterincluding accessories:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag Technology,        Charcoal, Blue, Floor Mats]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Charcoal, Majestic Blue, Floor        Mats]}.    -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Convenience Package, Advanced Airbag Technology,        Charcoal, Blue, Satellite Radio]        -   ->    -   [[2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Charcoal, Majestic Blue,        Satellite Radio]}.    -   {December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Special Edition Package, Floor Mats]        -   ->    -   [[2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Frost, Sheer Silver, Floor        Mats]}.    -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash        Guards, Special Edition Package, Satellite Radio]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Splash Guards, Leather        Sports Package, Leather Package, Frost, Sheer Silver, Satellite        Radio]}.

Operation 112 determines whether any unnecessary or irrelevant partsexist. If so, operation 114 removes irrelevant parts and features fromthe set of configuration mapping rules. For example, if the Splash Guardis an irrelevant part, operation 114 removes Splash Guard from theconfiguration mapping rules generated in operation 110. Upon completionof operation 114, a single set 116 of the following configurationmapping rules, applicable to the entire set of configurations, remain:

-   -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Convenience        Package, Advanced Airbag Technology, Charcoal, Blue, Floor Mats]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Leather Sports Package,        Leather Package, Charcoal, Majestic Blue, Floor Mats]}.    -   {[June 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Convenience        Package, Advanced Airbag Technology, Charcoal, Blue, Satellite        Radio]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Leather Sports Package,        Leather Package, Charcoal, Majestic Blue, Satellite Radio]}.    -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Special        Edition Package, Floor Mats]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Leather Sports Package,        Leather Package, Frost, Sheer Silver, Floor Mats]}.    -   {[December 2005, 2005 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Special        Edition Package, Satellite Radio]        -   ->    -   [2006 Apollo, Automatic, 2 Wheel Drive, Leather Sports Package,        Leather Package, Frost, Sheer Silver, Satellite Radio]}.

Configuration mapping can be applied to product demand problems. Forexample, ADI allows demand to be determined based on features of aconfigurable product. By performing the configuration mapping process100, old demand data can be used to determine demand for new productconfigurations.

As, for example, described in Karipides I, demand for a new productoffering can be estimated by studying the demand for the product'sconstituent features when the features occur as a part of establishedproducts. The demand and sales data in ADI database 206 can be “sliced”e.g. arranged, in various ways so that configuration rule mappingprocess 100 can identify the metrics for any combination of “dimensions”to allow correlating demand data with mapped configurations. Forexample, if a car has 3 dimensions: Trim, Color, and Moonroof, and ifTrim can contain “2.5 S”, “3.5 S” and “3.5 SE”:

Color can contain “Black”, “Blue” or “Red”

Moonroof can contain “Moonroof” or “No Moonroof”

In at least one embodiment, the database 204 is structured in such a waythat the metrics for all vehicles are stored at the end-configurationlevel, and metrics for features or feature combinations are calculatedfrom the end-configuration level. Table 1 depicts example demand andsales for selected end-configurations:

TABLE 1 Trim Color Moonroof Sales DemandScore 2.5S Black Moonroof 1 302.5S Blue Moonroof 2 40 2.5S Blue No Moonroof 1 30 3.5S Red No Moonroof2 50 3.5S Black Moonroof 3 40 3.5SE Blue Moonroof 1 30

Calculation of metrics. To determine how many cars were sold with Blackcolor, sum up the “Sales” column for all rows with “Black” in the Colorcolumn of Table 1. In this example, the number of Black cars sold is 4,i.e. 1+3=4. To get the “mix”, divide the number of Black cars by totalsales. (Total =10). The mix in this example is 40%, i.e. 4/10=40%.

The same methodology using the demand score is used to obtain the demandpercentage of 2.5S:

-   -   Demand Score of all rows containing 2.5S=30+40+30=100.    -   Total Demand Score=30+40+30+50+40+30=220.    -   Therefore, the Demand percentage of 2.5 S=100/220=45.45%.

To obtain the demand mix % of Moonroof on 2.5S:

-   -   Demand score of rows with Moonroof that also have Trim        2.5S=30+40=70.    -   Total Demand Score of rows with a Trim of 2.5S=30+40+30=100.    -   Therefore, the Demand mix percentage of a Moonroof with Trim 2.5        S=70/100=70%.

Configuration mapping preserves the “sliceability” property of the ADIdatabase. The end effect of the rule consolidation process is to producemappings of end configurations. Table 2 includes a final set ofconfiguration mapping rules obtained after completing all the steps inthe configuration mapping process 100, i.e. the black and blue colorswere merged into “Metallic Black” in 2006 Apollo, the “3.5S” trim wasrenamed to “3.5 Super-edition”, and the Moonroof remained unchanged.

TABLE 2 2005 Apollo Maps To 2006 Apollo 2.5S, Black, Moonroof -> 2.5S,Metallic Black, Moonroof 2.5S, Blue, Moonroof -> 2.5S, Metallic Black,Moonroof 2.5S, Red, Moonroof -> 2.5S, Red, Moonroof 3.5 S, Black, No ->3.5 Super-edition, Metallic Black, No Moonroof Moonroof 3.5 SE, Red, No-> 3.5 SE, Red, No Moonroof Moonroof Etc . . .

Configuration rule mapping process 100 can apply the configurationmapping rules from “Table 2” to the ADI database (Table 1), the newTable 3 is:

TABLE 3 Demand Trim Color Moonroof Sales Score 2.5S Metallic BlackMoonroof 1 30 2.5S Metallic Black Moonroof 2 40 2.5S Metallic Black NoMoonroof 1 30 3.5 Super-edition Red No Moonroof 2 50 3.5 Super-editionMetallic Black Moonroof 3 40 3.5SE Metallic Black Moonroof 1 30

The demand mix can now be computed using the consolidated model data.Determining the sales of “Metallic Black” yields 8, i.e. 8=1+2+1+3+1.The Total Cars sold is 10, 10=1+2+1+2+3+1. Therefore, the sales mix of“Metallic Black” equals 8/10=80%. Similarly, the demand mix percentageof “Metallic Black” equals 77%, i.e.[(30+40+30+40+30)/Total(DemandScore)]=170/220=77%. Accordingly, thedemand mix percentage of a new color (“Metallic Black”=77%) can becalculated based on data of old configurations (configurations with“Black” and “Blue”) through the rule-consolidation process.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a network environment in whichconfiguration rule mapping process 100 and configuration rule mappingsystem 200 may be practiced. Network 302 (e.g. a private wide areanetwork (WAN) or the Internet) includes a number of networked servercomputer systems 304(1)-(N) that are accessible by client computersystems 306(1)-(N), where N is the number of server computer systemsconnected to the network. Communication between client computer systems306(1)-(N) and server computer systems 304(1)-(N) typically occurs overa network, such as a public switched telephone network over asynchronousdigital subscriber line (ADSL) telephone lines or high-bandwidth trunks,for example communications channels providing T1 or OC3 service. Clientcomputer systems 306(1)-(N) typically access server computer systems304(1)-(N) through a service provider such as an Internet serviceprovider by executing application specific software, commonly referredto as a browser, on one of client computer systems 306(1)-(N).

Client computer systems 306(1)-(N) and/or server computer systems304(1)-(N) may be, for example, computer systems of any appropriatedesign, including a mainframe, a mini-computer, a personal computersystem, or a wireless, mobile computing device. These computer systemsare typically information handling systems, which are designed toprovide computing power to one or more users, either locally orremotely. Such a computer system may also include one or a plurality ofinput/output (“I/O”) devices coupled to the system processor to performspecialized functions. Mass storage devices such as hard disks, CD-ROMdrives and magneto-optical drives may also be provided, either as anintegrated or peripheral device. One such example computer system isshown in detail in FIG. 4.

Embodiments of the configuration rule mapping process 100 andconfiguration rule mapping system 200 can be implemented using softwareprocessing engine executable using a processor in a computer system suchas a general-purpose computer 400 illustrated in FIG. 4. Input userdevice(s) 410, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, are coupled to abi-directional system bus 418. The input user device(s) 410 are forintroducing user input to the computer system and communicating thatuser input to processor 413. The computer system of FIG. 4 also includesa video memory 414, main memory 415 and mass storage 409, all coupled tobi-directional system bus 418 along with input user device(s) 410 andprocessor 413. The mass storage 409 may include both fixed and removablemedia, such as other available mass storage technology. Bus 418 maycontain, for example, 32 address lines for addressing video memory 414or main memory 415. The system bus 418 also includes, for example, ann-bit DATA bus for transferring DATA between and among the components,such as CPU 409, main memory 415, video memory 414 and mass storage 409,where “n” is, for example, 32 or 64. Alternatively, multiplexDATA/address lines may be used instead of separate DATA and addresslines.

I/O device(s) 419 may provide connections to peripheral devices, such asa printer, and may also provide a direct connection to a remote servercomputer systems via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internetservice provider (ISP). I/O device(s) 419 may also include a networkinterface device to provide a direct connection to a remote servercomputer systems via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP(point of presence). Such connection may be made using, for example,wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection,Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite dataconnection or the like. Examples of I/O devices include modems, soundand video devices, and specialized communication devices such as theaforementioned network interface.

Computer programs and data are generally stored as instructions and datain mass storage 409 until loaded into main memory 415 for execution.Computer programs may also be in the form of electronic signalsmodulated in accordance with the computer program and data communicationtechnology when transferred via a network. The method and functionsrelating to configuration rule mapping process 100 and configurationrule mapping system 200 may be implemented in a computer program aloneor in conjunction other hardware.

The processor 413, in one embodiment, is a microprocessor manufacturedby Motorola or Intel. However, any other suitable single or multiplemicroprocessors or microcomputers may be utilized. Main memory 415 iscomprised of dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Video memory 414 is adual-ported video random access memory. One port of the video memory 414is coupled to video amplifier 416. The video amplifier 416 is used todrive the display 417. Video amplifier 416 is well known in the art andmay be implemented by any suitable means. This circuitry converts pixelDATA stored in video memory 414 to a raster signal suitable for use bydisplay 417. Display 417 is a type of monitor suitable for displayinggraphic images.

The computer system described above is for purposes of example only. Theconfiguration rule mapping process 100 and configuration rule mappingsystem 200 may be implemented in any type of computer system orprogramming or processing environment. It is contemplated that theconfiguration rule mapping process 100 and configuration rule mappingsystem 200 can be run on a stand-alone computer system, such as the onedescribed above. The configuration rule mapping process 100 andconfiguration rule mapping system 200 might also be run from a servercomputer systems system that can be accessed by a plurality of clientcomputer systems interconnected over an intranet network. Finally, theconfiguration rule mapping process 100 and configuration rule mappingsystem 200 may be run from one or more server computer systems that areaccessible to clients over the Internet.

Many embodiments of the present invention have application to a widerange of industries including the following: computer hardware andsoftware manufacturing and sales, professional services, financialservices, automotive sales and manufacturing, telecommunications salesand manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical sales and manufacturing,and construction industries.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A method of using a computer system to map a first set ofconfiguration rules to a second set of configuration rules, wherein eachconfiguration mapping rule includes a set of parts of a product, thefirst set of configuration rules includes a first configuration rule andthe second set of configuration rules includes a second configurationrule, the method comprising: accessing, from a first memory, multiple,part-to-part mapping rules; combining the multiple, part-to-part mappingrules into a consolidated configuration mapping rule that maps parts inthe first configuration rule to parts in the second configuration rule;and storing the consolidated configuration mapping rule in a secondmemory.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: correlatingpredetermined data associated with the first configuration rule to thesecond configuration rule using the consolidated mapping rule togenerate correlated data to allow use of the predetermined data with aproduct configured in accordance with at least the second configurationrule; and making the correlated data available to a computer systemuser.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the predetermined data includesproduct demand for a product represented by the first configurationrule.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: chaining a firstpart-to-part mapping rule to a second part-to-part mapping rule togenerate a third part-to-part mapping rule, wherein the multiple,part-to-part mapping rules combined into the consolidated configurationmapping rule include the third part-to-part mapping rule.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rulesinto a consolidated configuration mapping rule further comprises:combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules from multiple timeperiods into the consolidated configuration mapping rule.
 6. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: combining the multiple, part-to-partmapping rules into multiple consolidated configuration mapping rulesthat map multiple configuration rules in the first set of configurationrules to multiple configuration rules in the second set of configurationrules; and storing the consolidated configuration mapping rules in thesecond memory.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providingthe consolidated configuration mapping rule for display on a monitor. 8.The method of claim 1 wherein the product features comprise productfeatures or one or more vehicles and each configuration rule includes aplurality of parts and at least one relationship between the parts inthe configuration rule.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising:removing at least one part from the first configuration rule prior tocombining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the first memory is the second memory.
 11. A computersystem to map a first set of configuration rules to a second set ofconfiguration rules, wherein each configuration mapping rule includes aset of parts of a product, the first set of configuration rules includesa first configuration rule and the second set of configuration rulesincludes a second configuration rule, the computer system comprising: aprocessor, and a memory, coupled to the processor, having code storedtherein and executable by the processor for: accessing multiple,part-to-part mapping rules; combining the multiple, part-to-part mappingrules into a consolidated configuration mapping rule that maps parts inthe first configuration rule to parts in the second configuration rule;and storing the consolidated configuration mapping rule.
 12. Thecomputer system of claim 11 wherein the code is further executable bythe processor for: correlating predetermined data associated with thefirst configuration rule to the second configuration rule using theconsolidated mapping rule to generate correlated data to allow use ofthe predetermined data with a product configured in accordance with atleast the second configuration rule; and making the correlated dataavailable to a computer system user.
 13. The computer system of claim 12wherein the predetermined data includes product demand for a productrepresented by the first configuration rule.
 14. The computer system ofclaim 11 wherein the code is further executable by the processor for:chaining a first part-to-part mapping rule to a second part-to-partmapping rule to generate a third part-to-part mapping rule, wherein themultiple, part-to-part mapping rules combined into the consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule include the third part-to-part mapping rule.15. The computer system of claim 11 wherein the code for combining themultiple, part-to-part mapping rules into a consolidated configurationmapping rule wherein the code is further executable by the processorfor: combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules from multipletime periods into the consolidated configuration mapping rule.
 16. Thecomputer system of claim 11 wherein the code is further executable bythe processor for: combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rulesinto multiple consolidated configuration mapping rules that map multipleconfiguration rules in the first set of configuration rules to multipleconfiguration rules in the second set of configuration rules; andstoring the consolidated configuration mapping rules in the secondmemory.
 17. The computer system of claim 11 wherein the code is furtherexecutable by the processor for: providing the consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule for display on a monitor.
 18. The computersystem of claim 11 wherein the product features comprise productfeatures or one or more vehicles and each configuration rule includes aplurality of parts and at least one relationship between the parts inthe configuration rule.
 19. The computer system of claim 11 wherein thecode is further executable by the processor for: removing at least onepart from the first configuration rule prior to combining the multiple,part-to-part mapping rules.
 20. A computer program product comprisingcode stored therein to map a first set of configuration rules to asecond set of configuration rules, wherein each configuration mappingrule includes a set of parts of a product, the first set ofconfiguration rules includes a first configuration rule and the secondset of configuration rules includes a second configuration rule, whereinthe code is executable by a processor for: accessing multiple,part-to-part mapping rules; combining the multiple, part-to-part mappingrules into a consolidated configuration mapping rule that maps parts inthe first configuration rule to parts in the second configuration rule;and storing the consolidated configuration mapping rule.
 21. Thecomputer readable program product of claim 20 wherein the code isfurther executable by the processor for: correlating predetermined dataassociated with the first configuration rule to the second configurationrule using the consolidated mapping rule to generate correlated data toallow use of the predetermined data with a product configured inaccordance with at least the second configuration rule; and making thecorrelated data available to a computer system user.
 22. The computerreadable program product of claim 20 wherein the predetermined dataincludes product demand for a product represented by the firstconfiguration rule.
 23. The computer readable program product of claim20 wherein the code is further executable by the processor for: chaininga first part-to-part mapping rule to a second part-to-part mapping ruleto generate a third part-to-part mapping rule, wherein the multiple,part-to-part mapping rules combined into the consolidated configurationmapping rule include the third part-to-part mapping rule.
 24. Thecomputer readable program product of claim 20 wherein the code forcombining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules into a consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule wherein the code is further executable by theprocessor for: combining the multiple, part-to-part mapping rules frommultiple time periods into the consolidated configuration mapping rule.25. The computer readable program product of claim 20 wherein the codeis further executable by the processor for: combining the multiple,part-to-part mapping rules into multiple consolidated configurationmapping rules that map multiple configuration rules in the first set ofconfiguration rules to multiple configuration rules in the second set ofconfiguration rules; and storing the consolidated configuration mappingrules in the second memory.
 26. The computer readable program product ofclaim 20 wherein the code is further executable by the processor for:providing the consolidated configuration mapping rule for display on amonitor.
 27. The computer readable program product of claim 20 whereinthe product features comprise product features or one or more vehiclesand each configuration rule includes a plurality of parts and at leastone relationship between the parts in the configuration rule.
 28. Thecomputer readable program product of claim 20 wherein the code isfurther executable by the processor for: removing at least one part fromthe first configuration rule prior to combining the multiple,part-to-part mapping rules.
 29. An apparatus for mapping a first set ofconfiguration rules to a second set of configuration rules, wherein eachconfiguration mapping rule includes a set of parts of a product, thefirst set of configuration rules includes a first configuration rule andthe second set of configuration rules includes a second configurationrule, the apparatus comprising: means for accessing, from a firstmemory, multiple, part-to-part mapping rules; means for combining themultiple, part-to-part mapping rules into a consolidated configurationmapping rule that maps parts in the first configuration rule to parts inthe second configuration rule; and means for storing the consolidatedconfiguration mapping rule in a second memory.
 30. The apparatus ofclaim 29 further comprising: means for correlating predetermined dataassociated with the first configuration rule to the second configurationrule using the consolidated mapping rule to generate correlated data toallow use of the predetermined data with a product configured inaccordance with at least the second configuration rule; and means fordisplaying the correlated data on a monitor.